Does anyone know what the deal will be on getting an iPod to work in a new MINI? I do not have the Nav ordered, but I sure want to use my iPod. When will it be available?

 

All 2nd gen Minis come standard with an aux input. I'm not sure if you will be able to use the steering wheel controls to skip tracks, adjust volume, etc.

 

You can use the AUX input, but it carries no functionality for the iPod controls. There will be an iPod interface available from the dealer at a later date which should give near complete access to the iPod functions via the steering wheel controls.

 

The UK iPod interface is available now. Here is a thread on MINI2 about it. http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ml#post2833104

I haven't heard any news about aftermarket solutions yet.

 

So does this mean that to order the iPod adapter (i.e., the one that allows you to control the unit with the steering wheel), you must also order the Nav?

 

I didn't want to wait till the iPod option was available, so I ordered my Mini. I've been told that iPod integration on the R56 isn't going to be as simple (or as cheap) as the R53. I thought $250 for the ipod hookup on the R53 was rather expensive. I doubt folks are going to be willing to pay much more than that especially if they can use their mp3 players through the aux input. And the CD player plays MP3 CD which reduce the need for ipod integration for folks who like to have tons of music on hand.

 

you shouldnt have to

 

While .mp3 CDs are great for transport and/or just a long, continuous "shuffle" of music, it would be murder on me to have in a car. What if I'm listing to track 47 and I want to hear the song on track 243....wait....or is it 342? Can't remember.....Damn!

At least the iPod has a screen, and I can scroll through to find just the song, artist, or playlist I want.

 

The aux input gives no ipd control from the MFSW nor does it use the audio display in the speedo.

www.newministuff.com has an aftermarket ipod kit that will do this at £160. The R56 dash is much more complex than the R53 so unless you are real good at his stuff get a pro to fit it.

newministuff is owned by mikeythemini from mini2. I have used him before and he's great.

 

Good news...

 

No. Here is a post with pictures from the same thread I linked to earlier showing the interface without Nav.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ml#post2860714

 

*Brilliant*....I love it. I had forgotten about that little display on the R56.

 

I'm not trying to be sarcastic but look at where technology has taken us. Few years back we were using tapes and to go from song 5 to 9 was a pain and now we are talking about how painful it is to go from 645 to 1745 without a quick scroll interface. Love it

I'm not saying I don't want the iPod integration, just saying that spending more than $250 might not be worth it.

BTW, you can create folders on MP3 CD's which help in organizing the music and make browsing easier. I'm assume ID3 tags will get displayed on the screen so we can select folders & tracks.

 

You make an excellent point...

 

that's pretty sweet that it'll show track and artist names now